E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Invisibility,
according to fable, may be obtained in a multitude of ways. For example:—
1
Albric’s cloak, called Tarnkappe (3 syl.), which Siegfried got possession of, rendered him invisible. (Nibelungen Lied.)
2
A chamelon carried in the breast will render a person invisible.
3
A capon stone, called “Alectora,” will render any person invisible who carries it about his person. (See MIRROR OF STONES.)
4
A dead hand. It is believed that a candle placed in a dead man’s hand
gives no light to any but those who use it. (See HAND.)
5
Fern-seed, mentioned by Shakespeare, and by Beaumont and Fletcher, possesses the same charm.
6
Gyges’ ring, taken from the flanks of a brazen horse, made the wearer invisible, provided he turned the ring inwards.
7
Hel’iotrope, mentioned by Boccaccio in his Decamron (Day viii. 3), is a green stone, which renders a person invisible. So does the herb called heliotrope, according to Solnus, who says, “Herba etiam ejusdem nomnis … cum, a quocumque gestabtur, subtrahit visibus obvirum.” (Georgic, xl.)
8
The helmet of Perseus (2 syl.) and the helmet of Pluto (called Orci Gala), both rendered the wearer invisible. (Classic story.)
9
The helmet which Pluto gave to the Cyclops made them invisible whenever it was worn.
10
Jack the Giant-killer had a cloak of invisibility as well as a cap of knowledge.
11
Keplein’s mantle. The mantle of Hel Keplein, which belonged to the dwarf-king Laurin, rendered the wearer invisible. (The Heldenbuch; thirteenth century.)
12
The Moros Musphoron was a girdle of invisibility. (Mrs. Centlivre: A Bold Stroke for a Wife.)
13
Otnit’s ring. The ring of Otnit, King of Lombardy, according to the Heldenbuch, possessed a similar charm.
14
Reynard’s wonderful ring had three colours, one of which (the green) caused the wearer to become invisible. (Reynard the Fox, 1498.)
a,” will render any person invisible who carries it about his person. (See M
ron (Day viii. 3), is a green stone, which renders a person invisible. So does the herb called heliotrope, according to Sol
nus, who says, “Herba etiam ejusdem nom
rum.” (Georgic, xl.)
